Fanariots

Fanariots, the name given to the Greeks inhabiting the Fanar or Fanal quarter of Constantinople. They appear to have been originally descendants of such noble Byzantine families as escaped the fury of the Turks, and their numbers were afterwards recruited by emigrants from different parts of the old Byzantine empire. They have figured in Turkish history principally as diplomats, administrators, and bankers. From 1669 onwards the dragomans of the Porte were usually chosen from amongst them. From them too were chosen, until the outbreak of the revolution in 1822, the hospodars of Wallachia and Moldavia, while, in addition, the disposal of most of the civil and military posts under the Turkish government was in their hands. In the Greek struggle for freedom (1821-26) the Fanariots displayed no great zeal or activity, but nevertheless were severely punished by the Turks.